Joint efforts for tolerant society stressed

LAHORE
Peaceful Pakistan in collaboration with Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) organised the first panel discussion titled as “Peace Narrative and Anti-Terrorism Discourse” at Arfa Software Technology Park, which was chaired by PITB Chairman Dr Umar Saif on Wednesday.
Media personalities and advocates of peace Adeel Hashmi, Omair Rana and Ms Fariha Rashid were the guest speakers at the event. The event aimed at bringing together ambassadors of peace, writers and bloggers to unite in order to work towards building a harmonious and peaceful society through their respective works.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Umar Saif said: “In today’s world of media and technology it is easier to reach out to others and motivate them to join hands in pursuing peace and brotherhood. The government is committed to uniting Pakistanis across the nation regardless of their culture, faith and class.
Supporting the cause for peaceful narratives and anti-extremism discourse, the panellists urged the participants to contribute towards a tolerant society through their respective fields.
Omair Rana, an advocate of peace and culture, said, “Our providence is in tolerance. For too long we have either been too quiet or too loud. We have neither respected the spoken word nor listened to it. It is essential now for us to take a deep breath and learn to listen. For if we don’t the sounds that might follow will be deafening, and then shouts and screams of help won’t be heard, even yours, even mine.”
Adeel Hashmi, an advocate of youth empowerment, said, “Peaceful Pakistan is an encouraging move by the government initiated to bring about a positive change in our society. The youth has a vital role to play because you are the future. Look beyond your differences and build the Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam dreamt of. “
Fariha Rashed, young peace and culture activist, while quoting Quaid-e-Azam said, “There is no power that can undo Pakistan. As writers and bloggers we have the power to influence public opinion. If you need a stable country, you need to be active part of Peaceful Pakistan.”
Peaceful Pakistan is an initiative of the Government of Punjab to pursue peace, harmony, inter-religious tolerance and unity by sketching a positive image of Pakistan. Peaceful Pakistan community was established in the wake of APS Peshawar Terrorism attack to work towards building a positive Pakistan through various means of communications, and to unite Pakistanis hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs as one solid nation. The parents of the children injured in APS Peshawar incident also addressed the occasion and appreciated the rehabilitation efforts taken by the Punjab Government in this regard.